corbettw's Journal: Frustration with local Libertarian Party

UPDATE: Problem solved, I've gotten in touch with other local officials, and apparently the whole thing was just a misunderstanding. Everyone's happy and working together again. Thanks for the input and words of encouragement I've received from everyone who sent them.

I don't think I've been this frustrated with a party official in my life. I so much want to start helping the Libertarian Party get candidates elected (just see my sig and about a hundred different comments from me in the last month to show that), and the first time I really reach out to a local party official, this is the response I got.

At least when I contacted the Republicans in Arizona eight years ago, they welcomed me with open arms. It's guys like this that will keep the Libertarians from ever holding elective office in this country. Considering the fact that I consider the Republican party broken and the Libertarian party the way of the future for social libs/economic conservatives, guys like this will have to be pushed aside to make room for others who are more willing to welcome change.

Who wants to help me do that?

Cory
(all phone numbers and email addresses left intact...please feel free to email or call Mr. Benedict and let him know what you think of him...or email me and flame me all you want, as the case may be)

I'd like to forward your emails to other people and post it on blogs. Let me know if you don't want me to do that.

--Wes Benedict
Executive Director
Libertarian Party of Texas
512-442-4910

Cory Waddingham wrote:
> Wes,
>
> Your arrogance is extremely infuriating. I may not have had the time in the past to help out, but what am I supposed to do when the person I reach out to shuts me down?
>
> You need to reach out to new people, and pull your head out of your ass.
>
> Cory
>
>
> ----- Original Message ----
> From: Wes Benedict <[e-mail]>
> To: Cory Waddingham <[e-mail]>
> Sent: Saturday, August 23, 2008 1:30:52 AM
> Subject: Re: work before November
>
> Cory,
>
> I suspect you are trying to sell something.
>
> Since you have no money to contribute, have never contributed to the LP Texas or the National LP according to my records, and no reputation as a volunteer in Texas, and I get solicited constantly, I'll let you know right now that I am getting irritated by your solicitations.
>
> After you have spent 20 hours or so putting up 1,000 door hangers in Texas, we can talk about your new ideas.
> --Wes Benedict
> Executive Director
> Libertarian Party of Texas
> 512-442-4910
>
>
>
> Cory Waddingham wrote:
>> Wes,
>>
>> Last time we corresponded over email, I mentioned that I'm working in Virginia. I've arranged to come back home and work from there for the next two months, starting Labor Day weekend. I'd like to schedule some time to present some ideas on how to get out the Libertarian vote in November in Collin County. I can't access the group websites from work, are there any planned events coming up in the near future? Have you already scheduled any phone banks, mailings, or anything like that?
>>
>> Cory

That address...

[johndiii]

If I saw the address [e-mail], I probably would not expect a whole lot.

To be fair to Wes, though, your "present some ideas" line is a standard sales come-on. But that does not really excuse his reaction.

I'd consider the organizational dynamic. For a relatively isolated, insular group (like this one), suspicion of outsiders is pretty normal.

Collin county, eh? I live off 75 south of Campbell. :-)

Re:

[corbettw]

If Wes had said something like "I appreciate your enthusiasm, here's how you can help" and then directed me to go hang 1000 flyers, I would've understood and jumped at the chance to help. But jumping to accusing me of being nothing than a peddler of cheap goods (which is still ironic, since Libertarians are supposed to be highly in favor of capitalism), was pretty insulting. Especially since this was not the first time he and I have spoken.

Hehe, I'm at Renner and Jupiter. We should try to meetup sometime.

Chicken/egg

[stinerman]

Pray tell, gentle squire, if one needs a reputation as a volunteer to be a volunteer, how does one get started?

Best of luck with the LP. I don't support a good deal of their platform, but its obvious that the Ds and Rs aren't getting it done.

Re:

[corbettw]

Yeah, that was my initial reaction, too. I've been trying to contact someone, anyone, who could point me in the right direction with them, with no luck. I'm starting to realize why the LP has made no progress in the last 37 years.